The Grand

Originally aired on ITV1 from 1997 to 1998, The Grand is a period drama that takes its viewers back to early 20th-century Manchester, a bustling city brimming with industry, hopes, dreams, and countless untold stories.

The show transports viewers to the post-Edwardian era just after the Great War, and presents a beautifully woven narrative that centers around a once-magnificent hotel known as The Grand. The hotel, situated in the heart of Manchester, was previously known for its opulence and prestige. The series begins with the re-opening of the hotel by the Bannerman family after it had been closed during the war.

The Grand focuses greatly on characters central to the hotel's daily operations and its associated dramas. The key characters include John Bannerman, played by Michael Siberry, the family patriarch and owner of the hotel, his wife Sarah, portrayed by Julia St. John, and their smart and ambitious son, Stephen, played by Tim Healy. Other integral characters include the dedicated and compassionate hotel staff including the reception manager, a stern housekeeper, and several chambermaids and porters, who add depth and diversity to the narrative.

What makes The Grand particularly intriguing is its insightful exploration of class segregation, social norms, and gender issues prevalent at the time. As the series progresses and more guests check into the hotel, viewers are exposed to a myriad of individual stories and social constructs. From turbulent love affairs, to deceit, and ambition, there is a captivating blend of human emotions and societal themes encapsulated within the hotel’s grand façade.

The drama unfolds in a setting that is simultaneously opulent and austere, reflecting the contrast between the world of the wealthy patrons and the realities of the hotel’s working-class employees. The Grand’s rich and detailed production design provides an evocative backdrop for this exploration of society’s upper crust and the working class, depicting both the glamour and the grime of the era.

The show's creators also showcase the political and economic challenges of the era. The aftermath of the war has left an indelible mark on society, impacting both the social hierarchy and the psyche of the general populace. It is within this context that the hotel, a microcosm of society, also struggles to reclaim its grandeur and glory.

The Grand is noted for its skillful depiction of human relationships and character development, with intricate plotlines that continually surprise viewers. The series’ well-rounded characters are realistically complex, with their flaws and strengths, dreams and disappointments, that make them uniquely relatable.

In addition, unlike many period dramas of this era, The Grand does not sugarcoat the stark realities of the time. It portrays vividly the harsh realities of working-class life, the socio-economic disparity, as well as hardship, grief, and loss. This makes for a viewing experience that is not just visually beautiful and emotionally engaging, but also thought-provoking and authentic.

The writing and performance of The Grand beautifully combined to bring out the colloquial wit, grit, and charm that is quintessentially British. The dialogues carry an undeniable depth of emotion and a dash of humor, which make each episode equally entertaining and moving, and keep the audiences hooked throughout the series.

Despite being set over a century ago, many of the issues and themes explored are relevant and resonate even today. By creating characters that viewers can root for, empathize with, feel for, and sometimes even despise, The Grand makes a compelling point about the universality of human experiences both then and now.

All in all, The Grand is an engaging period drama. With it's stellar storytelling, evocotive historical accuracy, complex characters, and attention to minute detail, it successfully blends history with fiction. It leaves its viewers with vivid images of life at the turn of the 20th century, and the universally relatable characters make it a series worthy of a watch.